Experience Iceland's scenic beauty and natural wonders in the lap of luxury on this 10-day self-drive with overnight stays in charming accommodations. This holiday package is ideal for individual travelers and families who want to explore Iceland on their own in the lavish comforts of upscale cottages and spacious apartments.

Key facts about this tour:

• Published prices are valid for the whole package and are NOT per person! No single supplement nor children discount applies to this program.

• Types of car recommended: For route number 1 (the ring road) all car types are suitable. For Kjölur mountain road a 4wd car is needed.

• Small cottages (suitable for 1-2 pers) is a combination of 78 m² / 840 ft² cottage at Glymur Hotel in Borgarfjörður area, 78 m² / 840 ft² cottage near Akureyri village, and 56 m² / 602 ft² apartment in Grímsborgir, near Þingvellir National Park.

• Large cottages (suitable for 1-4 pers) is a combination of 88 m² / 947 ft² cottages at Glymur Hotel in Borgarfjörður area, 78 m² / 840 ft² cottage near Akureyri village, and 200 m² / 2152 ft² apartment in Grímsborgir, near Þingvellir National Park.

• Other combinations of cottages available upon request.

The Cottages

Nights 1-3 Hotel Glymur Cottages

Hotel Glymur is a family run boutique hotel which has a first class restaurant.
On May 1, 2010 six uniquely designed luxurious cottages were opened at Hotel Glymur.  The houses are of two sizes, spacious and modern with an emphasis on elegance and style. The properties are situated high on a hillside on the northern shore of the beautiful "Whale fjord".  Each Villa is individually decorated with a unique style and color theme to create an enchanting atmosphere with magnificent views overlooking the fjord and the surrounding mountains.

Each cottage has at least one bedroom, an open kitchen area, and luxurious bathroom facilities.
They are available in two different sizes:

• Units with 1 bedroom are 78 m² (840 ft²), suitable for 2 persons with the option of 2 extra beds
• Units with 2 bedrooms are 88 m² (950 ft²), suitable for 4 persons with the option of 2 extra beds
• Each villa includes a private porch, deluxe patio furniture, outdoor BBQ grill, outdoor hot tubs and a fully equipped kitchen for 4-6 persons.
• Flat screen TV and high speed wireless internet access
• Room service and catering can be ordered
• Daily maintenance includes delivery of fresh bathrobes and towels
• Laundry and ironing services are available

Nights 4-6 - Sæluhús Cottages Akureyri

The cottages are beautifully and conveniently situated on a hill on the outskirts of the town of Akureyri, with an open countryside atmosphere. They are within easy walking distance from the Botanical Gardens and the local geothermal swimming pool, which is family friendly with modern facilities.

Available houses and studio apartments are of 2 different sizes:
* 78 m² (840 ft²) houses / cottages with three bedrooms that can accommodate up to seven people. One room with a double bed, the second bedroom with two single beds and the third bedroom has a double bed (140 cm / 4.5 feet) and a single bunk bed (90 cm / 3 feet) above.
* 32 m² (345 ft²) studio apartments (terraced houses each with 4 -5 apartmens) that can accomodate 2 – max 4 (in extra beds – note one open space).

• All untis have private porches.
• The houses have their own private hot tubs and a BBQ grill, others upon request.  (This needs to be requested for the apartments at an extra charge).
• A fully equipped kitchen
• TV and a high speed wireless internet access
• Final cleaning, bedlinen and towels included
• Washing machine in all houses, and available for appartments. A coin-operated waching machine and dryer are available in separate service houses

Nights 7-9 Grímsborgir Luxury Cottages

Located close to the most stunning sights in South Iceland, Grímsborgir are situated on the beautiful river Sog and surrounded by picturesque landscapes, peace and tranquillity.

Each house is divided into two apartments: One small with 2 double rooms and a bathroom with a shower and a bigger flat.
* The main apartment is 200 m² (2150 ft²), with three bedrooms, and easily sleeps six people.
* The smaller apartment is 56 m² (600 ft²) for up to 4 persons. One bedroom and a sleeper sofa for 2 in the open living room and kitchen area.

• The smaller apartments have a shower and the bigger apartments have both a bathtub and a shower
• All apartments have a private porch, a private outdoor hot tub and BBQ grill.
• A fully equipped kitchen
• TV and a high speed wireless internet access
• Final cleaning, bedlinen and towels included
• Room service and catering can be ordered from the restaurant

Grímsborgir Restaurant offers a first class menu which emphasizes local produce and ingredients. A meeting room is available at the restaurant cottage, seating up to 16 people in boardroom style.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL: Keflavík – Reykjavík - Hvalfjörður

Volcanic Landscapes - Blue Lagoon – Picturesque Fjord

Approximate mileage: ca. 120 km / 81 miles

Today you will drive the Reykjanes Peninsula and explore the moon like surroundings of that area.  It is possible to visit the famous Blue Lagoon for a relaxing dip in the pleasantly warm geothermal waters, rich in silica and minerals that are great for the skin.
You will continue through the capital of Reykjavík to Glymur hotel, by either driving along the shores of the beautiful Hvalfjörður "Whale fjord", or through the tunnel. Our first stop will be at the beautiful cottages of Hotel Glymur where we will stay for the next 3 nights.

DAY 2 and 3: Suggested itinerary for Hvalfjörður and the surrounding area

Suggestion 1: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Volcanic Landscapes - Craters - Snæfellsnes Glacier - Sea Cliffs with Birdlife - Quaint Fishing Villages

Approximate mileage: ca. 350 km / 217 miles

Today you can travel via the Hvalfjörður fjord through the village of Borgarnes and on to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.  You will drive past the magnificent Eldborg crater on the peninsula where the mysterious Snæfellsjökull glacier towers over the surrounding area.
There is so much to see and explore on the peninsula, attractions include the Arnarstapi sea cliffs with its varied birdlife and the amazing rocky beach of Djúpalónssandur. The quaint little fishing villages that line the peninsula are well worth a visit.

Optional: Boat tour from Stykkishólmur

Suggestion 2: Borgarfjörður Area

Icelandic Sagas – Stunning Waterfalls - Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring

Approximate mileage: ca. 150 km / 94 miles

This morning you can start the day by visiting the historic site of Reykholt. The Reykholt area includes the infamous Snorralaug thermal pool as well as Snorrastofa, which are sites well known in the Icelandic Sagas. Make a stop at the remarkably beautiful Hraunfoss and Barnafoss waterfalls as well as the Deildartunguhver hot spring, the most powerful hot spring in Europe where 150 liters (40 gallons) of 97°C (207°F) hot water flow from the Earth every second.  The hot spring provides hot water and heating for houses in the whole region.

DAY 4: Borgarfjörður - Blönduós – Varmahlíð – Akureyri

Fertile Farmlands - Viking Horses - Iceland's Second Largest City

Approximate mileage: ca. 350 km / 217 miles

Today you will drive north through Borgarfjörður, over Holtavörðuheiði heath, to the shores of Húnaflói Bay and through the historical horse-breeding valley of Skagafjörður.  You may opt to visit the charming old farmstead at Glaumbær, a great example of Icelandic architecture from the past.

Optional: River rafting in Skagafjörður; horse riding in Skagafjörður; seal watching tour from Hvammstangi.

Continue towards Akureyri, the beautiful “capital of the north” and on to the Sæluhús cottages, where we will base our stay for the next 3 nights while exploring the north of Iceland.

DAY 5 and 6 : Suggested itinerary for Akureyri and the surrounding areas

Suggestion 1: Akureyri – Lake Mývatn

Iceland’s Second Largest City - Waterfall “Of the Gods” - Bizarre Lava Formations - Geothermal Activity - Rich Birdlife

Approximate mileage: ca. 200 km / 124 miles

Today you will drive from Akureyri, stopping at Goðafoss waterfall, before driving onwards to the beautiful Lake Mývatn area.  The natural wonders of Lake Mývatn include the unique lava formations of Dimmuborgir,  Krafla volcanic area, and the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir.

Optional: Bird museum in Mývatn; Mývatn Nature baths.

Suggestion 2: Húsavík – Ásbyrgi - Dettifoss

Whale Watching – Glacier Carved Gorge – Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall

Approximate mileage: ca. 250 km / 155 miles

Today you will drive from Akureyri through the fishing village of Húsavík, also known as “THE whale watching village”. Continue around the Tjörnes peninsula to Jökulsárgljúfur National Park which includes the impressive horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon and the mighty Dettifoss waterfall.

Optional: Whale watching from Húsavík

DAY 7: Akureyri – Kjölur – Hveravellir *

Uninhabited Interior - Geothermal Area - Natural Hot Spring with Bathing

Approximate mileage : ca. 300 km / 186 miles

Drive east back through the horse-breeding valley of Skagafjörður fjord and on to the Kjölur route that leads us over the highland route (a rough terrain where 4WD is needed, the route is open from mid-June). We will be driving through the colorful thermal area of Hveravellir between the glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull where we can take a dip in a natural hot spring “in the middle of nowhere”.

Driving south from this highland road you will pass the infamous waterfall of Gullfoss (Golden Falls) and on through to the famous Geysir geothermal area. These two sites can be explored if time allows, but we highly suggest this to be a separate day tour for one of the following days.
On to Grímsborgir Luxury cottages where we will stay for the next 3 nights.

* Another option is to travel by Route number 1 which is passable for all car types.

DAY 8 and 9: Suggested itinerary for Grímsnes and the surrounding areas

Suggestion 1: Þingvellir – Gullfoss – Geysir - Fludir/Selfoss

National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO) - Exploding Geysers – Massive Waterfall

Approximate mileage: ca. 170 km / 106 miles

Drive to Þingvellir National Park, the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament and a jewel of nature.  Continue on towards the famous Geysir hot-spring area and while making a short stop at the mighty Gullfoss waterfall.

Optional: Whitewater rafting in the Geysir area; ATV-quad biking in Haukadalur.

Suggestion 2: South Coast – Hella – Vík

Hekla Volcano - Thundering Waterfalls - Puffin Colony - Black Sand Beaches - Lava Fields

Approximate mileage: ca. 300 km / 186 miles

Drive along the spectacular south coast and view highlights along the way such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Dyrhólaey* and the black sand beaches of Vík. It is possible to continue towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a picturesque village formerly the site of a 12th-century Catholic convent but today known for fabulous trout fishing. You may want to drive a little further making your way to the Skaftafell National Park, approximately 70 km. (43 m) further.
*Please note that Dyrhólaey is closed during nesting season in spring, from ca. middle May until June 23rd

Optional: Glacier walk on Svínafellsjökull; tour into Þórsmörk Nature Reserve; Boat tour from Dyrhólar on a special boat with wheels; Skógar folk museum

DAY 10: Departure

Grímsnes – Reykjavík - Keflavík airport (only for afternoon departures)

Approximate mileage: ca. 120 km / 82 miles

A great way to prolong your stay in Iceland is by adding some days in Reykjavík.
For similar standard accomodations, Óðinsvé Luxury Hotel Apartments, Luna Aparments or Room with a View can all be highly recommended.

Included

• 3 nights in Hotel Glymur Cottages.
• 3 nights in Sæluhús Cottages.
• 3 nights in Grímsborgir Luxury Cottages.
• Rental car for 9 days* with CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage, airport service charge, VAT and one authorized driver.
• Detailed road map (1:600 000).
• Emergency phone line.

*Passengers arriving early in the morning on day 1 and leaving late on day 10 may have to pay a supplement for 1 extra day of rental car.

Not included

• Breakfasts.
• Gasoline.
• Meals.
• Optional Tours.
• International flights.
• Any service not mentioned under "included"

OPTIONAL:
When sending your request, possibility to include at extra cost:

• Child seat/booster: EUR 25 / EUR 10 per rental (not commissionable).
• GPS system: EUR 16 per unit per day (Max EUR 112). If booked in advance we offer 50% discount (not commissionable).

Included

• 3 nights in Hotel Glymur Cottages.
• 3 nights in Sæluhús Cottages.
• 3 nights in Grímsborgir Luxury Cottages.
• Rental car for 9 days* with CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage, airport service charge, VAT and one authorized driver.
• Detailed road map (1:600 000).
• Emergency phone line.

*Passengers arriving early in the morning on day 1 and leaving late on day 10 may have to pay a supplement for 1 extra day of rental car.

Not included

• Breakfasts.
• Gasoline.
• Meals.
• Optional Tours.
• International flights.
• Any service not mentioned under "included"

OPTIONAL:
When sending your request, possibility to include at extra cost:

• Child seat/booster: EUR 25 / EUR 10 per rental (not commissionable).
• GPS system: EUR 16 per unit per day (Max EUR 112). If booked in advance we offer 50% discount (not commissionable).